Brisbane Airport Archives - Hamilton Today

Epic 7,000-Square-Metre Play Centre Landing at Brisbane Airport

Families visiting Brisbane Airport will soon swap traditional shopping for giant ninja courses and high ropes as a massive 7,000-square-metre space-themed playground touches down at the Skygate precinct.

The enormous Area 51 indoor entertainment facility is scheduled to welcome visitors in late 2027. Taking up a massive footprint, this space will become the largest of its kind for the company and marks the seventh location built across Queensland. Rather than just offering standard shops, the precinct is expanding to include climbing arenas, huge inflatables, trampolines, and sports courts.

The site is designed to cater to everyone, featuring a dedicated toddler zone for younger children and a cafe for parents to relax in, alongside spaces reserved for corporate gatherings and birthday parties.

This project is part of a broader plan to change how locals and tourists use the space. Scott Norris, the commercial executive general manager for Brisbane Airport, noted that the new playground adds to a growing mix of dining and leisure options at the location.

He explained that the goal is to build an experience-driven destination where visitors stay to play and explore all day, rather than just doing a quick grocery shop at Woolworths or picking up clothes at the discount outlets.

The developers want the site to be more than just a standard fun park. Michael Affleck, the chief operating officer for Area 51 World, stated that the massive new centre is designed to be a community meeting place that provides energy and adventure for groups of all sizes. He added that the team is excited to bring people of all ages together to connect and make memories. This shift toward interactive entertainment is already underway, as the precinct recently hosted a popular dinosaur exhibition created by the major live-events company Fever.

Published Date 29-June-2026

Meet the Robot Mowers Working Around the Clock at Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport has become the first major airport in Australia to trial a fleet of autonomous robot mowers, deploying four machines across its 919-hectare airside precinct in a move that will save more than 60,000 litres of diesel fuel every year.

The robot mowers, now operating on the airfield adjacent to the Hamilton and Eagle Farm precinct, run day and night on a mix of solar energy and the airport’s renewables-backed electrical network. They maintain grassed areas continuously rather than in scheduled bursts, a fundamental shift in how airside vegetation management is handled at one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs.

For Brisbane Airport, which processes more than 23 million passenger movements per year and sits across a land footprint equivalent to 54 South Bank Parklands, keeping the grass cut is not a cosmetic concern. It is a safety requirement.

Overgrown grass attracts wildlife, and wildlife on or near runways is one of the most persistent hazards in civil aviation. The robot fleet addresses that risk around the clock, significantly reducing the amount of time staff need to spend working in active airside zones.

The machines and how they stay in bounds

Each robot mower operates within a defined zone maintained by a combination of onboard sensors, geofencing and a physical barrier. The system keeps the machines away from active runways and taxiways, and they navigate autonomously without manual intervention once deployed. If something unexpected enters their path, they stop or redirect.

The continuous mowing cycle produces a secondary benefit that is less obvious but genuinely useful. Because the grass is cut little and often rather than in periodic heavy passes, the process selectively encourages healthier grass species to establish and allows the airport to reduce its use of herbicides across the airfield. The result, in the airport’s own assessment, is greener and more resilient grass than conventional mowing produces.

“These robot mowers might be small, but their impact is significant,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff. “Unlike conventional mowing, which must be scheduled around air traffic and staff availability, these robotic mowers can operate day and night. This reduces disruption to flights and the need for manual mowing, helping to maintain our airfield while keeping safety front and centre.”

Part of a longer sustainability journey

The robot mower trial is the latest in a series of technology-driven sustainability initiatives at Brisbane Airport stretching back several years. The airport deployed Australia’s first all-electric aircraft refueller through Air BP in 2022 and introduced Oscar, an AI-powered smart recycling assistant, into its terminals the same year.

In 2023, it became the first Australian airport to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4: Transformation, the highest level of the globally recognised accreditation programme. It also accelerated its Net Zero target by 25 years, committing to reach net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.

Brisbane Airport Head of Sustainability Jess Rudd said the autonomous mowers align directly with that longer-term commitment. The 60,000-plus litres of diesel saved annually represent a meaningful reduction in operational emissions from ground maintenance alone, replacing fuel-heavy machinery that has historically run for long hours across the airfield.

“Our innovation programme is about trialling and scaling technology that delivers real results,” said Oscar Maan, Brisbane Airport’s Innovation Lead. “These autonomous mowers show how that approach is already making a difference on the ground.”

What comes next

The current pilot covers a growing portion of the airside land area, with the fleet expected to expand into additional zones over time. How quickly that expansion happens will depend on the programme’s ongoing performance assessments, but the airport has signalled clearly that scaling the technology is the intention rather than keeping it confined to a trial footprint.

Brisbane Airport sits within the City of Moreton Bay and Brisbane City boundary near Hamilton, Pinkenba and Eagle Farm, and its operations connect the region to more than 50 domestic and international destinations.

Further information on Brisbane Airport’s sustainability programme is available here.

Published 26-June-2026

Flipside Circus Among Recipients of Brisbane Airport’s Biggest-Ever Community Fund

Flipside Circus, based in Hamilton, is among 16 organisations to share in Brisbane Airport’s largest ever Community Giving Fund, with $125,000 distributed across grassroots groups this year.

Read: Flipside Circus Opens Brisbane Circus Centre, Its New Home At Northshore Hamilton

Flipside Circus received funding to support a program providing First Nations youth with access to professional mentorship and training in the creative arts, including circus and acrobatics.

The 2026 round was the largest since the fund launched in 2015, surpassing last year’s $100,000 to coincide with 100 years of Brisbane Airport. The grant program provides financial support to grassroots community organisations working across education, environment, health and inclusive initiatives, with a new community sport category added this year to recognise the role local sporting clubs play in health and wellbeing.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the airport played an active role in supporting local communities. “By supporting community-led initiatives, we’re helping organisations deliver the services, programs and opportunities that matter most to those communities,” he said.

Other funded organisations work across health, education and community services. Baby Give Back, a Queensland charity that provides clothing, nappies and other material basics to vulnerable families, will use its grant as a co-contribution to reopen its Brisbane warehouse and update the fitout to hold more supplies. Variety Queensland will deliver a financial literacy education programme across 10 special or high needs schools in Brisbane, reaching between 250 and 300 students.

Brisbane Airport Community Engagement Manager Portia Allison said the fund had attracted a diverse range of applications. “From youth programs to grassroots sport, there are organisations and groups across every corner of Brisbane delivering important work to support their local communities,” she said.

Read: Brisbane Airport Fires up Record Community Giving Fund for 2026

Since 2015, Brisbane Airport has donated more than $655,000 through the Community Giving Fund to community groups and non-profit organisations. The airport also supports the community through its annual Lost Property Auction, Community Giving Globes, Containers for Change recycling, and aeromedical partnerships with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight.

Published 22-April-2026

Brisbane Airport Issues Safety Alert Ahead Of Easter Travel Surge

Photo Credit: BrisbaneAirport/Facebook

Brisbane Airport has urged travellers to prioritise safety during the busy Easter period, releasing CCTV footage that reveals common injuries and incidents across its terminals.

Easter Rush Drives Safety Reminder

More than one million passengers are expected to travel through Brisbane Airport during the Easter holiday period, placing increased pressure on terminal spaces and facilities.

In 2025, the airport recorded 25 million passengers and 187 public injuries, most of which were minor and required first aid treatment. Despite rising passenger numbers, reported incidents declined across 2024 and 2025.

The safety push aims to further reduce injuries by encouraging travellers to follow signage, allow enough time, and avoid rushing through busy areas.

Footage Highlights Preventable Terminal Injuries

CCTV vision released by Brisbane Airport shows a series of incidents involving passengers navigating escalators, travelators and car park areas during peak travel periods.

The footage captures travellers losing balance while handling heavy luggage, as well as collisions occurring at boom gates. These incidents are being used to highlight preventable risks within the airport environment.

Airport authorities are encouraging passengers to remain alert and move carefully through terminals, particularly when managing baggage and travelling with children.

Escalators And Travelators A Major Source Of Injuries

About 30 per cent of injuries at Brisbane Airport occur on escalators and travelators, making them a key focus of the safety campaign.

Incidents often involve passengers attempting to manage bulky or multiple bags, leading to loss of balance and falls. Surveillance vision also highlights preventable injuries involving older travellers in these situations.

Travellers with heavy luggage or mobility concerns are being advised to use lifts instead of escalators or travelators.

Suitcase Riding Among Common Causes Of Child Injuries

The footage also highlights incidents involving children riding on suitcases inside the terminal, a practice identified as a frequent cause of injury among younger travellers.

Children positioned on luggage are more likely to lose balance due to instability, increasing the risk of falls onto hard flooring surfaces.

Parents and carers are being reminded to supervise children closely and avoid using suitcases as a means of transport.

Easter travel — Photo Credit: BrisbaneAirport/Facebook

Practical Safety Tips For Travellers At Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is encouraging travellers to follow simple measures to reduce the risk of injury while moving through terminals and surrounding areas.

Key safety advice includes not placing children or babies on suitcases, using lifts when carrying heavy bags, and holding handrails when using escalators or travelators.

Passengers are also advised to supervise children closely and avoid play around baggage carousels, trolleys and other airport equipment, while following safety signage throughout terminals.

Additional guidance includes using approved pedestrian paths in car parks, avoiding movement under boom gates, and allowing enough time to move through busy areas without rushing.

Published 30-Mar-2026

Brisbane Airport Fires up Record Community Giving Fund for 2026

Brisbane Aiport

Brisbane Airport has launched its largest-ever Community Giving Fund, offering a record $125,000 in grants to organisations dedicated to education, the environment and health across South East Queensland.

The expanded fund marks a significant boost from previous years, with applications now open for community groups, schools and non-profit organisations. While the program traditionally focused on airport neighbours in Hamilton, Pinkenba, Eagle Farm and Hendra, the 2026 round extends eligibility across the Greater Brisbane region, including Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and Redland areas.

Driving Local Impact and Sustainability

The Community Giving Fund prioritises initiatives that deliver lasting benefits to people living and working across South East Queensland. The program targets projects tackling local needs through environmental programs, educational opportunities and health initiatives that create measurable change beyond one-off events.

Eligible projects range from school vegetable gardens and outdoor learning spaces to community health services and upgrades for local sports infrastructure. The fund aims to strengthen connections between the airport and the broader community by backing priorities that matter most to residents, whether they live next door to the runways or across the wider metropolitan area.

What Makes a Strong Application

Brisbane Airport assesses every proposal based on alignment with core priorities, long-term sustainability and ability to achieve real, measurable outcomes. Projects demonstrating clear community benefit and ongoing impact beyond the initial funding period stand the strongest chance of success.

The fund welcomes applications from registered charities with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 status, schools and non-profit groups able to demonstrate effective project delivery. Successful applicants need to show how their initiative addresses genuine community needs and creates benefits that extend well beyond the grant period.

Application Process and Timeline

Community groups ready to apply can access application forms directly through the Brisbane Airport website. The process requires organisations to outline project goals, expected outcomes, a budget breakdown, and success measures.

Applications close on 28 February. Successful applicants will be notified following the assessment period, with grants supporting project delivery throughout 2026. This fund reflects Brisbane Airport’s commitment to supporting the regions it serves beyond core aviation operations.

Published 9-February-2026.

New Moreton Bay Cycleway Section Connects Cyclists to Brisbane Airport

Cyclists now have a safer and more direct route to Brisbane Airport following the opening of a new 600-metre extension to the Moreton Bay Cycleway.

Read: New Plane Spotting Area Planned at Brisbane Airport

The shared path between Schneider Road in Eagle Farm and Viola Place at the airport precinct fills what had been a significant gap in the cycle network. Riders travelling from Brisbane’s southside via the Gateway Bridge now have improved access to the airport.

Dozens of cyclists attended a free pop-up coffee station along the new path on its first morning of opening.

The path varies between 2.5 and 3 metres in width, accommodating cyclists and pedestrians. Solar-powered LED lighting provides safer travel at all hours. Wayfinding signage and line marking guide users on their journey. The project also included reconstructing a weir and creating a new waterway crossing.

Around 25,000 people travel to Brisbane Airport each day for work. That workforce is expected to grow by around 20,000 over the next 20 years.

The airport precinct plans to support active transport options over the coming years. The draft 2026 Master Plan includes a number of initiatives over the next five years to boost active transport across the precinct, offering a lower-cost and healthier way for people to get to work.

About the Moreton Bay Cycleway

Brisbane’s local cycle network map (Photo credit: BCC)

The Moreton Bay Cycleway is a collection of shared paths and cycle routes along 150 kilometres of the Brisbane coastline. Once complete, it may become one of the longest cycleways on the east coast of Australia.

The cycleway spans three local government areas and already connects popular destinations including the Redcliffe Peninsula, Sandgate and Shorncliffe foreshore, and the Wynnum-Manly foreshore, extending south to Redland Bay. The system also connects to the broader cycling network including the Gateway Bridge Bikeway, Kedron Brook Bikeway, Jim Soorley Bikeway and the Gateway North Bikeway.

The newly opened section took approximately eight months to complete, with construction beginning in late May 2025 and finishing in late January 2026.

For Hamilton residents and those living in nearby suburbs, the path improves access to major employment hubs including the airport, TradeCoast Central and the future Northshore Hamilton precinct.

Read: Transforming Hamilton: Northshore Vision 2050 to Redefine Brisbane’s Future

The Moreton Bay Cycleway extension at Brisbane Airport represents more than just 600 metres of new pavement. It’s a practical demonstration of how infrastructure improvements can enhance connectivity, support sustainable transport choices, and make active commuting a realistic option for thousands of workers.

Published 31-January-2026

Queensland Slashes Train Fares to Brisbane Airport: Half-Price Tickets Announced

Starting 5 August 2024, train passengers travelling to Brisbane Airport will enjoy half-price tickets for a six-month trial period.

Read: Transdev and Vlogren Collaborate to Bring 17 Electric Buses to South East Queensland

This initiative, the result of negotiations between the State Government and Airtrain, aims to provide significant cost-of-living savings for Queenslanders.

Under the new pricing, ticket costs from Central Station to the Airport will be slashed from $21.90 to $10.95 for go card and EMV users, and to $11 for paper ticket holders. This reduction is part of a broader initiative to make public transport more affordable, following the State Government’s earlier announcement of 50-cent fares on all Translink services statewide starting on the same date.

Photo credit: Brisbane’s Airtrain/Facebook

With the inclusion of Airtrain in this initiative, commuters can now travel from as far as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to the Airport for as little as $11.50. This significant train fare cut is expected to drive more passengers towards using the Airtrain, easing road congestion and reducing the stress associated with airport parking.

Enhanced Accessibility for Airport Workers

In a move to further enhance ticketing options for airport workers, efforts are underway to make Airport staff tickets available at Queensland Rail’s Central Station. Currently, these tickets can only be purchased at Brisbane Airport. As part of the fare reduction, the price of Airtrain’s Worker Ticket will be halved, with the Weekly Worker Ticket dropping from $43 to $21.50 and the Worker Book of 20 tickets decreasing from $120 to $60.

Premier Steven Miles emphasised the dual benefits of this initiative: making public transport more attractive and affordable for both Queenslanders and tourists, and alleviating the burden on the state’s road network.

“There has never been a better time to leave the car and the stress of airport parking behind and enjoy the half-price train trip instead,” he stated. He highlighted the growing population and increasing number of visitors to Queensland as key factors driving the need for more efficient public transport solutions.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting public transport use. He acknowledged the foundational work of the former LNP government led by Rob Borbidge in negotiating the Airtrain deal and pledged ongoing efforts to develop a long-term solution for public transport to the airport.

Read: Brisbane River Heritage Trail: Sightseeing Cruise Through the City’s Storied Past

For more details on Airtrain services and the new fare structure, visit www.airtrain.com.au.

Published 6-June-2024

Stanwell To Supply Brisbane Airport With 100 Per Cent Renewable Energy

Energy generator Stanwell will supply Brisbane Airport with 100 per cent renewable energy, as part of a recently signed landmark renewable energy agreement between them.

Read: Get to Know Katana, a Hamilton Landmark Since the 19th Century

Every year, Stanwell will supply the airport up to 185 GWh of renewable energy, allowing all of their operations to run on clean energy, from the terminals to the runway lights, to the terminals, travellators, escalators, retail shops, and IT and electric vehicles refuellers.

Brisbane Airport was historically known for its coal-fired energy generation, but has since made a commitment to support Queensland’s decarbonisation efforts.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said it marked a major milestone towards cutting energy emissions in the sunshine state by 90 per cent by 2035.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan is the most ambitious action on climate change and renewables in Queensland’s history,” Minister Scanlon said.

Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the deal would mean BAC could meet its net zero emissions commitment by 2025, 25 years earlier than planned.

“We welcome this deal with Stanwell and are proud to be customer number one in its renewable energy pipeline,” Mr de Graaff said.

“This clean energy deal delivers on Brisbane Airport Corporation’s commitment to be a sustainable world leading airport city.

Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke, said Stanwell was proud to be supporting Brisbane Airport Corporation accelerate its net zero target by 2025 through its retail arm Stanwell Energy.

“This is the first of many renewable energy options Stanwell Energy will be offering to support our commercial and industrial customers meet their decarbonisation requirements,” Mr O’Rouke said.

Read: Eldernell Hill: From 19th Century Aboriginal Camp to Blue-Chip Hamilton Location

“Stanwell Energy is unique in its approach when it comes to its service offering. Our dedicated account managers are able to work with customers to develop tailored energy contracts that provide flexibility, security, and access to renewable options.

Published 3-April-2023

IWC Top Gun Watch, iPhones and More Brisbane Airport Lost Items Up for Auction

Photo Credit: Gerd Altman/Pixabay

Snag a bargain online as more than 500 times left behind at the Brisbane Airport go up for auction soon! Items include an IWC Top Gun watch worth $10k to $30k, iPhones and tablets, jewellery, and strollers or prams.

Lloyd’s Auction will conclude the bidding for internet and absentee bidders on Sunday, 6 November 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

Efforts have been made to return these lost items to their rightful owners. However, at least two-thirds remain unclaimed at the Visitor Information Centre in Brisbane Airport for more than 60 days. These items are either donated to charity or stored for the annual property auction, which has been ongoing for the last four years.

This year’s items include:

Huge volume of IT gear including Laptops, Phones, Tablets, E-Readers & more
2 x Hoverboards
Over 56 sets of Headphones
5 x Guitars
36 x Prams / Strollers
Clothes with new tags including Shoes, Shirts, Hats & more
Prints of Batman, Landscapes, Florals & John Lennon
8 x Audio Speakers
Jewellery – Bracelets, Rings, Ear Rings, Charms
Kitchen Appliances – Pasta Maker, Rice Cooker
3 x Basketballs
Coffee Machine
A range of medical aids such as first aid kits, walking sticks, crutches, walking frame etc
Multiple Fishing Rods
6 x Body Boards
Watches & Fitbits
4 x Cricket Bats
A Disney themed Scooter
4 x Hockey Sticks
Variety of Handbags, Suitcases, Backpacks, Duffle bags etc
2 x Golf Clubs
2 x Cameras
Bocce Set
1 x Massage Table
A Surveyors Staff
Assorted Memorabilia & Sporting Merchandise

Additional exclusive airport items will also be up for grabs, such as:

1 year of free parking at Brisbane Airport
a valuable piece of Brisbane Airport history with a Movement Area Guidance Sign (MAGS) from Runway 01/19
a behind-the-scenes personal tour of Brisbane Airport

Proceeds of the Brisbane Airport lost items auction will be directed to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. In 2021, the auction raised $17,699.20 and allowed Braille House to produce 25 new books, including a story on “Bluey,” for blind children.

Plans Unveiled For New Aeromedical Facility At Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport Corporation is planning to set up a $72-million aeromedical base to connect more Queenslanders to major hospitals and life-saving medical care.

Read: GEODIS Warehouse Construction at Brisbane Airport’s Export Park Begins

With over 14,000-sqm space, the Queensland Regional Aeromedical Base will feature state-of-the-art hangars for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, an administration building, and basic medical facilities.

The new precinct will be built to help with Queensland’s capacity for regional patient transfers and donor transfers throughout the State. It will also house aircraft and resources for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, LifeFlight, and Queensland Health.

The aeromedical base will be located between the two parallel runways on the northern end of the airport, near the current RFDS base.

Artist’s impression of proposed aeromedical facility (Photo credit: Brisbane Airport Corporation)

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC’s CEO, said the airport offered an unparalleled aeromedical address with the size and flexibility needed to deliver special purpose developments.

“As the heart of the Queensland network for patient retrieval and medical transfers, the Queensland Regional Aeromedical Base at Brisbane Airport will enhance the network of aeromedical bases located throughout regional Queensland,” Mr de Graaff said.

Throughout construction, the precinct will create an estimated 200 jobs, and the base itself will contribute $100 million per year to the Queensland economy.

“A world-class development like this is not only a reflection of the strategic value of Brisbane Airport’s location and amenity, but also of our ability to deliver the best aeronautical connectivity and capacity thanks to our parallel runway system,” Mr de Graaff added.

BAC is working with the State Government, RFDS, and LifeFlight to finalise these plans before seeking approval from the Federal Government to proceed with the new facility.

Construction of the new combined aeromedical base at Brisbane Airport is expected to be complete by April 2023.